Department of Computer Science

Mission: To provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to become successful practitioners and leaders in the field of computer science.

This program is designed to prepare students for careers as computer science professionals. It is suitable for students with a background in computing, but it provides an opportunity for those who lack a degree in computer science to complete a sequence of courses to prepare them for the regular program. The program is organized to enhance students' understanding of the theories, concepts and practices of computer science and to enable them to develop new competencies. Students who earn this degree will be qualified to assume responsible positions in industry and government at the research, planning and development levels. They will also be prepared to pursue additional formal education in computer science.

Program Goals:

To enable graduates to

• develop an understanding of the theoretical concepts that underlie the field of computer science;
• apply the theory to the practice of computing;
• assume responsible positions in computing in industry and government at the research, planning, and development levels; and
• develop a foundation for continuing education and growth in the field of computer science.

*See also MS and Certificate in Telecommunications, and MS and Certificate in Educational Technology.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE

Transition Courses
Required of students who lack a background in computer science. These course credits may not be applied toward the 36 credits required for the degree.
 

CS	500	Introduction to Computer Science I (4 credits)
CS	505	Introduction to Computer Science II (4 credits)
CS	510	Discrete Mathematics (3 credits)

Core Courses(15 credits):

CS	600	Data Structures (3 credits)
CS	610	Computer Architecture (3 credits)
CS	620	Database Systems (3 credits)
CS	630	Programming Languages (3 credits)
CS	650	Design of Operating Systems (3 credits)

Electives (15 credits):

Five additional CS courses at the 700 level, chosen in consultation with advisor (3 credits each)

Thesis/Final Project (6 credits):

Option A:

CS	980	Thesis Preparation Seminar** (3 credits)
CS	981	Thesis** (3 credits)

or

Option B:

CS	784	Structured Design and Programming Laboratory (3 credits)
CS	7xx	Elective (3 credits)

Total 36 credits

** Students opting to write a thesis will be required to register for the thesis and work under the guidance of a selected professor.

ADMISSIONS

Non-Matriculated Status

Students may be admitted to the program with non-matriculated status after consultation with an advisor. The applicant must present the following:

1. Completed application.
2. Evidence of completion of a bachelor's degree with a cumulative 2.5 grade point average (G.P.A).
3. Payment of the application fee.

NOTE: The G.R.E. is not required in the Computer Science program.

A maximum of 12 credits numbered above 600 will be permitted as a non-matriculated student. The department will not accept additional credits taken without matriculation. Credits earned in transitional courses in computer science will not be counted toward the 12 credit limit.

Matriculated Status

Students will be considered for admission to the program with matriculated status if they provide the following:

1. A completed request for matriculation form.
2. Evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree with official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools previously attended. Student copies are not accepted. A minimum 3.0 undergraduate or graduate G.P.A. is required.
3. For those who are taking the transition courses, each course must be completed with a grade of ‘B’ or better before applying for matriculation.
4. Three completed recommendation forms must be submitted directly to the Graduate Office of the School of Arts and Science or the Rockland campus. These forms must be submitted by supervisors or college faculty who have direct knowledge of the student’s academic aptitude and potential for success in the program. If possible, at least one letter of recommendation must be from a recent faculty member. Recommendations from friends, relatives or colleagues are not acceptable.
5. A program plan approved by the program director.

The fee for matriculation is payable after matriculation.

COMPETENCY EQUIVALENCIES

Students who can demonstrate course competencies in core courses may request that the specific course(s) be waived. The student will make a substitution of an appropriate elective course, with the approval of the program director. A copy of this approval shall be presented to the Office of Graduate Studies, the School of Arts and Science for placement in the student’s folder.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Students are permitted to transfer a maximum of six graduate credits in computer science from other institutions with the approval of the program director.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completion of the required 36 credits including the appropriate distribution of credits;
2. A minimum 3.0 G.P.A.;
3. Acceptance of a thesis or completion of CS 784 and one other elective;
4. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of matriculation.